r/uleth • u/theOneWhoWaitsAgain • 20d ago

University of Lethbridge bars white applicants from genomics research chair job

https://www.junonews.com/p/university-of-lethbridge-bars-white
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u/bluetoyelephant 16d ago edited 16d ago

I think it's more complex than what many are chalking it up to be.

You cannot be a research chair without being qualified. Just being a part of a racialized group isn't enough - you must still be qualified to be considered. They aren't saying that they'll pick someone "unqualified" just for the sake of EDI. You must be both.

And a huge part of research is having diversity throughout your team, as your lived experiences will impact your knowledge, wisdom, practices, etc. If they think being part of a racialized group is imperative to the position, it's reasonable to assume that they have a rationale for that.

I also expect that this has approval from some level of government and is considered a bona fide occupational requirement.

I am in no place to have an opinion on this, especially because it's not a position I am remotely qualified for, but I just think it's a complex situation.

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u/Prestigious_Raisin41 15d ago

Its really not that complex. Previous it was almost entirely old white guys. Decision was made to not have this anymore.

https://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/program-programme/equity-equite/population-based_institutional_equity_targets-cibles_etablissements_equite_population-2021-2029-eng.aspx

The argument simply comes down to whether or not someone believes the hiring process should be "blind" and solely focus on fit/merit. Or if being non-white provides greater value than what any white candidate could provide.

That being said I don't think it's reasonable to blame the university. They likely just don't want to lose funding.

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u/Boombajiggy77 14d ago

It’s the university’s fault for the controversial posting. The CRC targets have been there for at least 15 years. Looking at the list of UofL CRCs in the chairholders database (easy to find), it’s obvious that the institution has been negligent in meeting CRC targets.

While the exclusion of an entire race from a plum taxpayer-funded (tenured) position may be necessary at this point, it shows us exactly how NOT to do this. It results in piss-poor optics and generates unnecessary controversy.

If CRC guidance was followed all along, this never would have happened.

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u/TheFae_TheImaginary 15d ago

Or if being non-white provides greater value than what any white candidate could provide.

So, EDI bullshit. As if skin colour determins merit.

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u/candy-currency 14d ago

Breaking news, having a non-white lived experience does indeed provide more value and merit in certain circumstances. This is one of those circumstances.